J.K. Rowling reveals more family history behind Harry Potter

Cailin Ferris

Harry Potter fans can learn more about Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon.

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J.K. Rowling has surprised Harry Potter fanatics yet again with another revelation. As today marks the 35th birthday of Harry Potter’s spoiled and ungrateful cousin, Dudley Dursley, in pure Rowling style, she took to Pottermore to post some background on Dudley’s parents, Vernon and Petunia.

Rowling not only gives " Hallows" content, but also the story behind Vernon and Petunia’s relationship with Harry’s parents, James and Lily. It is revealed that when Petunia and Vernon were first engaged, Petunia had some major concerns about introducing her fiancé to her sister, Lily, who was just finishing up her time at Hogwarts.

Of course, the lack of understanding of the wizarding world caused major conflict between Vernon and James. Rowling explains that Vernon’s dislike for Harry “stems in part, like Severus Snape’s, from Harry’s close resemblance to the father they both so disliked.”

Rowling makes a huge revelation in that she wanted to see a nicer side of Aunt Petunia “when she said goodbye to Harry for the last time.” But, of course she stuck to the true nature of Petunia’s character, having her “behave in a way that is most consistent with her thoughts and feelings throughout the seven books.”

In order to gain access to the latest information on Pottermore, fans must first head to the Cupboard Under the Stairs, where the Dursleys kept Harry at number four, Privet Drive. As alohamora won’t work to unlock the new text, fans might want to look at the side table outside the cupboard first.